85R13962 KSM-D
By: Phillips H.R. No. 647
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Fannin County are gathering at the
Texas State Capitol on February 28, 2017, to celebrate Fannin
County Day, and this occasion provides an opportunity to recognize
the rich history and significant accomplishments of this notable
part of the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, The first nonnative settlements in the area that
would become Fannin County were established in 1836, the year Texas
won its independence from Mexico; when the county was formed the
following year, it took its name from Colonel James Walker Fannin,
Jr., a commander in the Texas revolutionary army, who had been
killed in the Goliad Massacre; Bonham, the county seat, was named
for another hero of the Texas Revolution, James Bonham, who died at
the Alamo and who is now honored with a statue at the county
courthouse; and
WHEREAS, A land of gently rolling hills that are bounded by
the Red River to the north, Fannin County provides good land for
farming and ranching, and those pursuits have been economic
mainstays since the county was established; today, cattle, corn,
wheat, milo, pecans, and hay are key products, and the many acres of
farmland in the county create a tranquil, pastoral landscape; other
industries, such as communications and manufacturing, help to
strengthen and diversify the economy; and
WHEREAS, Bonham, with a population of approximately 10,000,
is the county's largest city; it was the hometown of Sam Rayburn,
the legendary Texas politician who was a member of Congress for 48
years and who still ranks as the longest-serving speaker of the U.S.
House of Representatives; his legacy is recalled at the Sam Rayburn
Library and Museum and at the Sam Rayburn House Museum; in addition,
Bonham is the site of the Fannin County Museum of History, the
Creative Arts Center, and Fort Inglish Park, which contains several
restored log cabins from the 1830s and a replica of the stockade
erected in the vicinity by early settlers; and
WHEREAS, The county also offers a number of attractions for
outdoor enthusiasts; Lake Bonham comprises more than 1,000 acres of
water, and is bordered by a golf course and camping facilities;
other lakes are found at Bonham State Park and the Caddo National
Grasslands preserve, which offer opportunities for hiking,
fishing, biking, and other activities; and
WHEREAS, The hardworking residents of Fannin County may take
pride in their area's rich history, productive businesses, and
abundant recreational activities, and it is indeed fitting to pay
tribute to their many contributions to the State of Texas; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 2017, as Fannin County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.